If your Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) is slowing you down instead of improving efficiency, you are not alone. Many researchers find themselves frustrated by outdated systems that create more problems than they solve. From security concerns to poor search functionality, these are the six biggest complaints about ELNs and what to look for instead.

ELN Complaint 1: Security Risks

Data security is a major concern, especially for cloud-based ELNs. Labs handling sensitive, proprietary, or regulated data worry about unauthorized access, compliance risks, and potential breaches. Some users report that their ELN provider lacks strong encryption and security controls, making them hesitant to transition from paper notebooks or on-premises systems. Without proper data protection, researchers cannot be confident that their records are truly secure.

ELN Complaint 2: Limited Customization, Unexpected Costs, and Technical Complexity

Many users complain about the technical complexity of configuring some ELNs. Many researchers find themselves needing to learn SQL just to retrieve data, generate reports, or customize workflows. Instead of providing a user-friendly experience, these ELNs require advanced technical knowledge, making scientists feel like they are working for the ELN rather than the ELN working for them.

Unexpected costs further add to user frustration. Some ELNs seem affordable upfront, only to later reveal hidden fees for customization, integration, and storage. Labs often find themselves locked into long-term contracts that become progressively more expensive, especially when they need to adapt the system to fit their research needs. What should be a tool for streamlining research instead becomes a costly, high-maintenance burden.

ELN Complaint 3: Slow Performance and System Issues

An ELN should speed up research, not slow it down. However, many systems struggle to handle large datasets, multiple users, or high computational loads. Long load times, system freezes, and crashes disrupt workflows, reducing productivity and increasing frustration.

A modern ELN should be able to process large amounts of scientific data efficiently, but many legacy systems cannot keep up, making researchers hesitant to rely on them for critical data storage and retrieval.

ELN Complaint 4: Poor Search Functionality and Difficult Data Retrieval

One of the most important features of an ELN is the ability to quickly find past experiments, protocols, and results. However, many users report weak search functions that require exact keywords or file names to retrieve relevant records, or worse, the requirement for the scientists to be experts in SQL just to access data from their own previous experiments.

For labs managing years of accumulated data, ineffective search tools waste valuable time and make knowledge retrieval difficult. Instead of improving research efficiency, these ELNs create bottlenecks that slow down discovery.

ELN Complaint 5: Lack of Integration and Data Lock-In

An ELN should seamlessly integrate with essential lab tools such as ChemDraw, LIMS, SDMS, and data analysis software. However, many ELNs lack compatibility, forcing users to manually transfer data between platforms—an inefficient process that increases the risk of errors, duplication, and lost information. Instead of streamlining workflows, these ELNs introduce inefficiencies that hinder research.

Beyond software integration, many ELNs lack out-of-the-box instrument connectivity and restrict data access, making it difficult to share or migrate research. Labs that invest heavily in a particular ELN often find themselves locked in, unable to switch providers without costly, time-consuming migrations. A modern ELN should support seamless system and instrument integration while ensuring researchers retain full control over their data.

ELN Complaint 6: Time-Consuming Implementation and Low Adoption

Setting up a new ELN requires time and effort, especially in fast-paced research environments. Users frequently cite complex setup processes, steep learning curves, and unintuitive interfaces as major barriers to adoption.

Even a feature-rich ELN can fail if scientists do not adopt it. If the system disrupts workflows or is too difficult to use, researchers may resist switching entirely. This results in inconsistent usage, incomplete records, and fragmented data. Instead of enabling scientists, these ELNs add complexity and slow down research.

A Smarter Approach: A Fully Configurable, AI-Powered ELN

These real-world complaints make one thing clear: an ELN should empower scientists, not create extra work. A modern, AI-powered ELN should be part of a fully configurable, AI-driven informatics platform that seamlessly integrates ELN, LIMS, and SDMS, ensuring:

  • No-code ELN platform for easy configurability
  • Smart search functionality for fast data retrieval
  • Seamless ELN integration with lab tools and workflows
  • ELN automation that eliminates inefficiencies

Your ELN should accelerate research, not slow it down. Discover how a fully configurable, AI-native ELN can transform your lab today.